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Spanish16 Idioms and Phrasal Verbs to Get You Through Christmas
Are you looking for some festive phrases to help you get into the Christmas spirit? Look no further! This blog post will provide you with a comprehensive list of idioms and phrasal verbs that you can use to talk about the most wonderful time of the year. From ‘deck the halls’ to ‘wrap up warm’, here are 16 English idioms and phrasal verbs to get you through Christmas!
1) Deck the Halls – to decorate
One of the most iconic expressions of Christmas cheer is to “Deck the Halls”. This idiom means to decorate the house or the Christmas tree with festive decorations. Christmas decorations often include ornaments, lights, garlands and wreaths.
Decorating your home is one of the best ways to spread holiday cheer and get into the Christmas spirit. It’s also a great way to spend time with family and friends! So, this Christmas, deck the halls with boughs of holly and get into the Christmas spirit.
2) Jingle All the Way – to hurry
Jingle All the Way is an idiomatic phrase used to indicate that one is in a rush. It originates from the popular Christmas carol, “Jingle Bells”, which is often associated with a sense of urgency and haste.
The phrase is often used to suggest that someone is hurrying to get something done before the end of the year or before a deadline. It can also be used to express excitement or enthusiasm about something, as well as to encourage someone to take action quickly.
So, if you’re in a rush to get something done this Christmas, don’t forget to jingle all the way!
3) Santa’s Little Helper – someone who helps
Santa’s Little Helper is a phrase that means someone who assists in making Christmas special. This can refer to an actual person who helps with preparing and delivering presents or decorations, or it can refer to someone who provides moral or emotional support during the holiday season.
No matter how big or small their help may be, these people are the unsung heroes of Christmas who often go unnoticed and unrecognized.
At this time of year, it’s important to remember those who give so much of themselves to help make Christmas special. Whether it’s running last-minute errands or doing tedious tasks, these people are Santa’s Little Helpers and should be appreciated for all they do.
From helping with baking and decorating, to lending an ear and providing comfort, these people truly deserve recognition for all the hard work they do for others. So take a moment this holiday season to thank your Santa’s Little Helpers for all their help.
4) All I Want for Christmas is You – something desired
Christmas is a time for reflection and for expressing what we really want and desire. Whether it’s to be with family or to have the latest tech gadget, we all have something that we would love to get for Christmas. The phrase “all I want for Christmas is you” has been popularized by numerous holiday songs and has become a symbol of expressing what we truly desire during this festive season.
This phrase can be used to express our love for a person, but it can also be used to express what we are wanting more generally. This could include material items such as a new phone, computer, or clothes, or it could be something less tangible, like a new job or more free time. It can also be used to express a desire for peace and harmony between family members, friends, or even countries.
No matter what you’re wishing for this Christmas, expressing it in the form of “all I want for Christmas is you” can be an effective way of communicating what’s on your mind. So whether you’re wishing for a new car or just hoping for more time with the people you care about, try saying “all I want for Christmas is you” this holiday season.
5) Naughty or Nice – being good or bad
Christmas is a time for joy, celebration and of course, gifts. As children, we all heard the phrase “Naughty or Nice?” when thinking about what gifts we might receive from Santa on Christmas morning. It’s a phrase which is synonymous with Christmas and means being good or bad throughout the year.
The phrase “Naughty or Nice?” implies that your behavior during the year will be judged.
The phrase suggests that if you have been nice during the year, you will be rewarded with a special gift on Christmas morning. Conversely, if you have been naughty, you might not receive anything at all!
There is no clear definition of what counts as being naughty or nice. It is ultimately up to the individual to decide what constitutes good behavior throughout the year. It is generally accepted that being helpful, polite and kind to others would count as being nice, while being rude, selfish and unkind would constitute being naughty.
Overall, the phrase “Naughty or Nice?” implies that our behavior has an impact on our lives, especially at Christmas time. Being good or bad affects how we are treated by others and the rewards we receive during the festive season.
Whether you’re looking for a way to teach kids about consequences or just want to know more about this phrase, it is important to understand its implications.
6) Up in Arms – angry
Have you ever had a Christmas present that you were less than happy with? That’s what it means to be “up in arms” – angry or displeased with something. The phrase “up in arms” comes from the military and means to be equipped with weapons, ready to fight. In modern day language, however, it implies an emotional rather than physical state of agitation.
So, if you find yourself feeling angry this Christmas, don’t forget that you’re not alone! Whether it’s a present that doesn’t quite hit the mark, or an argument over who gets to open the first gift, being “up in arms” is a perfectly natural feeling. Just remember to take a deep breath and don’t let your emotions get the better of you!
7) Sleigh Ride – an enjoyable experience
The phrase “sleigh ride” conjures up images of winter wonderlands and beautiful landscapes, as well as a fun and exciting activity. It’s an experience that is most associated with Christmas, but it can be enjoyed year-round. Sleigh rides can be enjoyed in many ways.
Some people like to go on long sleigh rides through the countryside with friends or family, while others prefer a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride around the city.
No matter how you decide to take your sleigh ride, there is something special about the experience.
You can relax and take in the scenery or have a conversation with your loved one. And, when the snow starts to fall, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of being pulled by horses as you make your way through a winter wonderland. There’s no better way to enjoy the holiday season than with a sleigh ride!
8) Peace on Earth – no fighting
The phrase “Peace on Earth” is often used around Christmas time to represent the idea of peace and harmony throughout the world. During this festive period, it is common to see people coming together to celebrate with friends, family and strangers alike. The phrase “Peace on Earth” is a reminder that we should respect one another, regardless of our differences, and come together in times of joy and sorrow.
As Christmas approaches, let us remember the true spirit of the season – peace and goodwill towards all. Let us strive to make the world a better place by embracing others, putting aside our differences and learning to forgive. After all, what better way to bring true peace on earth than through our own actions?
9) Under the Weather – not feeling well
We all know how the holidays can be stressful and overwhelming. Whether it’s family dynamics, shopping for gifts, or just trying to get everything done in time, the holidays can be difficult. That’s why it’s so important to remember to take care of yourself during this time. If you find yourself feeling down or run down, it might be time to take a break. One of the most common phrases to describe this feeling is “under the weather”.
When you are “under the weather” it means you’re not feeling well. It can be anything from a cold, the flu, or even just an overall feeling of malaise. Whatever it is, if you’re feeling overwhelmed and needing a break, don’t forget to take care of yourself. Get some rest, drink plenty of fluids, and make sure to listen to your body.
By taking a break when you’re under the weather, you’ll be able to enjoy your holiday season to its fullest!
10) Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire – enjoying the moment
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire is a classic Christmas activity, one that often brings about a feeling of nostalgia and joy. This idiom is used to describe a moment in time when you are enjoying the present and making the most of it. It’s often used as a reminder to take a break from your worries and just enjoy the simple things in life.
On Christmas Eve, families can be seen gathering around a fire, roasting chestnuts and spending quality time with each other. The smell of the roasted chestnuts and the warmth of the fire can evoke feelings of peace, comfort, and joy. This phrase reminds us to slow down, appreciate the moments we have, and make the most out of our time with loved ones.
So this Christmas, take some time to slow down and enjoy the little moments – roast some chestnuts, listen to some Christmas carols, and just relax!
11) Reindeer Games – playing around
Reindeer Games are an expression used to describe playing around and having fun during the Christmas season. Whether it’s playing board games, having snowball fights or building a snowman, playing around over the holidays is something that many people look forward to. Reindeer Games can also be used figuratively to describe something that is not serious.
For example, if you and your friends are discussing silly topics, you can say that you are “playing Reindeer Games”. So, while you’re enjoying yourself this holiday season, don’t forget to take a break and play some Reindeer Games!
12) Snowed Under – having too much to do
At Christmas time, it can seem like there’s just too much to do! From attending holiday parties and gatherings to shopping for gifts and wrapping them, there’s no doubt that the holidays can get a bit overwhelming. If you find yourself in this situation, you could say you’re “snowed under.”
This phrase is used to describe being buried under an enormous amount of work or having too much to do. It’s similar to the phrase “being snowed under with work” which is used to describe the feeling of having more work than one can handle. So if you feel like there’s just too much on your plate this holiday season, don’t be afraid to take a break and remember that “snowed under” is a perfectly normal feeling around this time of year!
13) Stocking Stuffer – a small gift
One of the most iconic Christmas traditions is stuffing stockings with small gifts. Stocking stuffers are often inexpensive items, such as candy, toys, or trinkets, that are placed in the stockings of family members on Christmas morning.
These little gifts are meant to be a fun surprise and can range from silly to useful items. Stocking stuffers can be tailored to the individual, such as a new cell phone case for your tech-savvy teenager or a new tube of lip gloss for your daughter. Stocking stuffers can be an affordable way to show someone you care and make their Christmas morning extra special!
Check out these custom keychains for a great little Christmas gift for loved ones!
14) Kissing Under the Mistletoe – a tradition
Kissing under the mistletoe is a Christmas tradition that dates back hundreds of years. It began as a gesture of goodwill and friendship, and has since become an international symbol of love and romance. The idea is simple: when two people meet under a mistletoe, they must kiss.
This charming custom has spread all over the world, although it is most popular in Western Europe and North America. There are even some variations on the tradition – in Germany, it is said that the kissers must also make a wish while they’re under the mistletoe.
Kissing under the mistletoe is a fun way to spread holiday cheer, and it can bring a special kind of joy to any festive occasion. So this Christmas, don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for any mistletoe you see – you never know who might be looking for a special kind of holiday greeting!
15) Christmas Cracker – a joke
Christmas cracker jokes are a great way to bring some light-hearted fun to your Christmas celebrations. There are so many different kinds of jokes, from the classic knock-knock jokes to puns, to more silly and corny ones.
Here are some examples of Christmas cracker jokes that you can share with your family and friends this Christmas season:
Q: What did the gingerbread man put on his bed?
A: A cookie sheet!
Q: Why did the snowman smile?
A: Because the snowblower was coming!
Q: What do you call Santa’s helpers?’
A: Subordinate Clauses!
Q: What did the Christmas tree say to the ornament?
A: Don’t be so hung up on me!
Q: Why does Santa have three gardens?
A: So he can hoe, hoe, hoe!
16) White Christmas – a snowy Christmas
A “White Christmas” is a term used to describe a Christmas Day when there is snow on the ground. It’s an idiom that is widely used, especially in the northern hemisphere, where it can be very difficult to experience this festive season without snow. The notion of a White Christmas has been popularized by numerous movies and songs, such as the classic Bing Crosby song, ‘White Christmas’.
The phrase is also used to evoke a sense of nostalgia for a time gone by – for days when people gathered together and shared a peaceful and joyful holiday experience surrounded by family and friends.
The origins of the term White Christmas are said to have been from 16th century Germany, where Stille Nacht (Silent Night) was written with the vision of a snowy Christmas evening.
For many, experiencing a White Christmas is the epitome of a perfect winter wonderland. For others, it can mean snow shoveling and icy roads! Whatever your view, one thing’s for certain – the phrase ‘White Christmas’ will always conjure up images of holiday cheer and festive fun.
